Estate of Vendsel

March 31, 2017 by Justia

Dale Vendsel died in 2002. Jean Vendsel was his surviving spouse. James and Bonnie Vendsel were two of their six children. His Will created the Family Trust and designated James and Jean Vendsel ("the Vendsels") as co-trustees of the trust, and co-personal representatives of the estate. The Will provided that Jean was the sole income beneficiary of the trust during her lifetime. The Will also provided that the trustee could use the principal of the trust as necessary for support and maintenance of Jean in the manner to which she was accustomed and as necessary to maintain her good health. Upon her death, the remaining trust assets are to be distributed under the "Disposition of Residue of My Estate" section of Dale Vendsel's Will. Bonnie filed a petition requesting the district court compel the Vendsels to submit an accounting and plan for distribution for the estate. On March 22, 2004, the Vendsels, as personal representatives, filed an "Accounting Receipts and Expenses" document with the district court. A hearing was scheduled for April 13, 2004. In their response to Bonnie's petition, the Vendsels noted they submitted an inventory and proposed distribution for the estate and mailed it to all interested parties. On April 13, 2004, the district court postponed the hearing indefinitely, and indicated the parties were "near reaching an agreement." The terms of any agreement the parties entered into are not part of the record. On April 16, 2004, James and Jean Vendsel filed an "Amended Accounting Receipts and Expenses" with the district court. No further action was taken by either party for over ten years. Bonnie appealed the district court's order dismissing, with prejudice, her "Petition for Order in Settlement of Accounts and Distributions Called for in the Decedent's Will and Request for Supervision From the Court." Because the district court did not err in concluding Bonnie failed to establish she was entitled to receive a yearly accounting under the terms of the trust, and in concluding her claims against the estate were without merit, the Supreme Court affirmed the district court's order dismissing her petition with prejudice. View "Estate of Vendsel" on Justia Law